Marketplace Roundup

Tech blog 9TO5MAC.com's Mark Gurman cited a source as saying that Apple is working with Lakers G Kobe Bryant, NHL Kings RW Dustin Brown and "a few other star athletes," including a Red Sox player, "in order to test the upcoming 'iWatch’s' fitness capabilities in intense training environments." The source said that the athletes have "signed non-disclosure-agreements regarding the existence of the upcoming Apple wearable device." Bryant was "spotted at Apple’s campus last month meeting" with Apple Senior VP/ Design Jony Ive (9TO5MAC.com, 6/20).

LION EYES: In Houston, Craig Hlavaty noted rapper Snoop Dogg last Friday "sent football players at Texas A&M a few pairs of new football cleats that he helped design." adidas officials said that the Adizero 5-Star Snoop Lion cleats, which feature "a ferocious lion on the side, don't officially hit store shelves" in L.A. until June 27. The company indicated that this is the "first time a celebrity has designed cleats for them" (CHRON.com, 6/23).

TRIPLE THREAT: In Calgary, Scott Fisher noted CFL Stampeders RB Jon Cornish hauled in "a trio of balls" from RedBlacks QB Henry Burris, BC Lions QB Travis Lulay and Eskimos QB Mike Reilly while filming a Reebok commercial in April. Many have "questioned whether the footage is real or an editing trick." Cornish "insists there was no magic involved." He said, "We put a lot of work into that. It took 25 shoots, but it's real" (CALGARY SUN, 6/23).